Visiting a fertility centre is a nightmare for many couples who have trouble conceiving. Not being able to conceive is a devastating feeling. Fear grips the couple as they don’t know what is making them infertile and are also unaware of fertility treatments that can help them become parents. Thoughts of embarrassment, guilt, and uncertainty torment them. But consulting a fertility specialist becomes vital in order to overcome infertility issues and achieve parenthood. So here is a complete set of questions a couple can ask a fertility specialist during their initial consultation and counseling session.
1. What is stopping us from conceiving?
Diagnosis is the most essential step. When a couple visits a fertility centre, the initial step involves a series of blood tests, scans, taking note of the medical history of the couple, going through the previous medical and treatment records, understanding the current health condition, etc. Both the male and female partner undergo fertility checkup that allows the fertility specialist to diagnose the cause of infertility.
2. Can lifestyle changes help us conceive?
Sometimes, losing weight, taking up an exercise regimen, and having a proper diet can enable couples to conceive naturally. It can also improve the success rates of fertility treatments.
3. Which fertility treatment should we undergo?
Fertility treatment is a very personalized treatment plan and it varies from couple to couple. One size fits all doesn’t work in the case of fertility treatments. Right from the basic treatments like Ovulation Induction, IUI, up to advanced fertility treatments like IVF, ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing, etc., several treatments are available based on the couple’s health condition, age, lifestyle, and other reasons. It is important for the couple to know what kind of treatment will help them conceive. The couple should have clarity about the entire treatment process beforehand.
4. What is the success rate of the treatment?
Before undergoing the treatment, the couple should know the success rate for that particular treatment. Though the success rates differ from couple to couple based on their age, health condition, egg and sperm quality, etc. the couple should have an idea of the probability of conception. Having a realistic expectation is always better.
5. Are there any side effects of Fertility treatments?
It becomes highly important to understand the side effects of the treatment. Fertility drugs may cause nausea, pain, mood swings, etc. in some women. Hence, the couple should get to know in detail about the possible side effects and complications before the start of the treatment.
6. What is the possibility of having twins?
IVF treatment may result in more than 1 baby sometimes. Discussing the possibility of multiple births can help the couple in many ways. They should know that there are ways to have a singleton pregnancy and IVF doesn’t always lead to twins and triplets.
7. Is there an option of donor treatment if we are unable to conceive?
For some couples, donor sperm or egg might be required to achieve pregnancy. So check the availability of donor treatment services in the centre.
8. Does the fertility clinic offer embryo preservation?
During an IVF treatment, several embryos may be formed but not all of them can be used at the same time. It is, therefore, necessary to know if the fertility centre offers embryo cryopreservation services. The excess embryos can be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen and can be used later to achieve another pregnancy or if this cycle fails, the embryos will be available for another frozen embryo transfer procedure without the women undergoing the hassle of ovarian stimulation.
9. How should we prepare ourselves for the treatment?
There are several dos and don’ts that one has to know before undergoing fertility treatment.
10. What will be the cost of the treatment?
Getting clarity on the cost aspect becomes highly essential. Sometimes, success may not be possible with just one cycle of IUI or IVF. Based on the condition of the couple, it might take more than 1 cycle also to achieve pregnancy. Having a fair idea about the cost will help the couple prepare themselves mentally and financially for fertility treatments.
Forget your fears, inhibitions, and apprehensions about fertility treatments. Just visit a fertility specialist and begin your parenthood journey with confidence and a positive mindset. Happy parenthood!